What I’m Loving: October & November

Welcome to What I’m Loving in October… and November! YAY! At the end of each month (well, usually), I share things that I’m loving right now, in the hopes that maybe there’s something new you can try. Of course, I didn’t get it together enough to take care of October, so today, I’m chatting about the full fall – October and November!

If you’re up for it, I’d love to hear what you’re loving!! Shoot me a message of something new for me to try, or leave a reply at the bottom of the post!

Finally, we’re adding a new section this week at the request of my husband. Scroll all the way to the bottom for Matt’s Picks and see what he’s been loving this month…. we’ll see what he comes up with!

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1. Colorado

In October, Matt & I went to Denver to visit my sister and brother-in-law. While we were there, my sister and I went to brunch at the Brown Palace, which was actual heaven! Hot cocoa that literally tasted like melted chocolate, and the yummiest buffet in the world. Would go back every single day, y’all.

While we were there, I also did engagement photos for one of my 2019 couples. Colorado photographers are so lucky… the scenery was an absolute DREAM! I’ll share more from Kayla & Cole’s engagement session soon… keep an eye out!

 

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2. The Dallas Arboretum

Harvest Tea: In October, Matt and I went to the Arboretum’s Harvest Tea to celebrate our anniversary. It was WONDERFUL! Matt loves tea, and when we were in London for our honeymoon, we had afternoon tea at The Ivy Chelsea Garden…. so, we loved reliving it at the Arboretum! The food was amazing (best pumpkin soup I’ve ever had), and Matt loved the tea so much that we ended up buying some at the Arboretum store.

12 Days of Christmas: In November, I took my mom to the Arboretum’s 12 Days of Christmas. The exhibit features an elaborate collection of 25-foot Victorian style gazebos filled with the charming costumed characters, whimsical animals and music of the 12 Days of Christmas carol. It was so magical, and we loved wandering the Arboretum with all the festive decorations!

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3. Styled Shoot in Houston

I love photographing wedding inspiration shoots. It’s such a fun time to be creative, meet new vendors, and and create images to help inspire brides as they make decisions for their weddings!

In October, I joined Styled Shoots Across America for a shoot at Sandlewood Manor that was full of glamorous white touches, cascading floral elements, and lovely details! And, the vendor team was amazing!

Check out my blog from the shoot here… so much pretty!

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4. Whiskey in a Teacup

From recipes to decorating tips to stories about her life, I love Reese Witherspoon’s book! I’m a sucker for a lovely hardcover coffee table book, and Whiskey in a Teacup is definitely no exception – it’s such a pretty book! But, really, the content is great, too! I loved it so much that I added hot rollers to my Christmas list – she’s made me a believer… we’ll see if they work for me!

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5. Mini Sessions

I loved my fall mini-sessions this year! I worked with 15 families on two separate dates, and it was so much fun getting to know so many wonderful parents and cutie kiddos!

I typically only offer mini-sessions during the fall, but I had such a blast this year that I’m thinking of adding a spring date. What do you think?

Check out a few of my favorite images from my last day of mini-sessions… so many cuties!

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6. E-Bates

Well, Black Friday made me OBSESSED with E-Bates. I ordered all my Christmas gifts through E-Bates (from J.Crew Factory, Gap, Ulta, Kohl’s, Amazon, World Market, and a few others), and got 10% cash back. LITERALLY FREE MONEY. Sign up here for a $10 bonus. I’m also a little bit obsessed with Ibotta, which I use for all my grocery shopping (Sign up here for a $5 bonus)! YAY FREE MONEY!!

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7. Mod Market’s Winter Menu

Matt and I go to Mod Market when we need a healthy meal but don’t have the emotional capacity to cook, and they just came out with their winter menu! The truffled artichoke pizza is AMAZING, and I’m dying to try the sugar waffle – it looks so yummy.

Check to see if you have a Mod Market near you, because it’s AMAZING.

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8. Minted

Minted has the prettiest holiday cards… I love gold foil stamped anything, so their cards always give me the heart eyes! They’re always running sales, and their designs are created by independent artists, so you know you’re supporting individual artists!

Check out my favorites here!

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9. Supporting Small Businesses

Speaking of independent artists, I’m loving shopping small for Christmas presents!

For Matt’s graduation, I had Rachel Wadlow create an abstract painting of one of our wedding photos. I haven’t gotten it yet, but I can’t wait!

On my list this year is a couple of silk runners from Oh Be Joyful Creative, and I loveee Simply Jessica Marie‘s 2019 Cocktail Calendar. Look over to the right for some of my favorites!

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10. Engagement Season

IT’S ENGAGEMENT SEASON, Y’ALL! So exciting! My sweet friend Kelli got engaged, and I loved photographing her engagement. Plus, I’m getting inquiries for fall 2019 brides, and I’m so excited for all the couples I’ll get to meet and work with next year.

SO MUCH FUN.

I LOVE ENGAGEMENTS.

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AND NOW INTRODUCING… MATT’S PICKS!

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October: Mario Party

The game that destroyed friendships is back. It combines all you love about the franchise to make you even more frustrated at where the star goes, how bad you are at simple tasks, and the one bad luck space that gives your only star to the first place player. Wait do I like this game? YES.

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November: Green Bay Packers

Run. The. Table.

Relax.

The real America’s team has a shot to make it to the playoffs, but they need some luck. Who better than the man who double checks all discounts? Go pack go.

Also… check out the Aaron Rodger’s nutcracker that Sami made me… I love it!

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Want to see more of what I’m loving? Click here for other months!

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